Buckle Up! Police Step Up Seat Belt Enforcement “Click It or Ticket”

March 24, 2014

By Jay Mejia

JayM@lstribune.net

The Lee’s Summit Police Department and the Jackson County, MO Sheriff’s Office are joining efforts with statewide law enforcement over the Memorial Day weekend as part of an aggressive mobilization effort to get more motorists to buckle up and save more lives.

Despite evidence proving the benefits of wearing a seat belt, nearly one in four Missouri motorists are still not making it click. In 2013, 63% of individuals killed in crashes in Missouri are unrestrained.

"Local motorists should be prepared for stepped up Click It or Ticket enforcement," said Sheriff Mike Sharp. "We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can – and do – save lives."

In Lee’s Summit, police are also increasing their high visibility enforcement effort to remove impaired drivers and reduce alcohol-related crashes and efforts. In addition to more police patrols, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Checkpoint will be conducted during the late evening and early morning hours in an area of the city where drunken driving related arrests and crashes are prevalent.

On average, every 51 minutes a person is killed in a drunk-driving crash in the United States and a majority of these crashes involve drivers who have blood alcohol concentrations of .15 or higher, nearly twice the legal limit. The Police Department encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly, plan ahead, and designate a driver.